So… you want to know more about your feet? Here is a brief summary of the most common foot conditions that we see every day!
An “overuse” disorder, Achilles tendonitis and tendonosis are typically caused by a sudden increase of a repetitive activity involving the Achilles tendon, causing inflammation. Typically short term, if left untreated can micro tear to the point of developing spurs. Ice, rest, immobilization, orthotics and physical therapy are often the treatments for Achilles issues.
Swelling caused by too much trapped fluid in the body tissues. While edema can affect any part of the body, it’s more likely to show up in the lower limbs and feet. Edema can be the result of a number of disease, medication reactions and even pregnancy can cause swelling. Compression garments, sodium management and treatment of the underlying diseases are treatment options for Edema.
A term often used to describe pain in the ‘balls of the feet’. Metatarsalgia just means inflammation of the metatarsal region. Some conditions such as neuromas, capsulitis, synovitis, collapsed transverse arch and fractures have all been diagnosed as “Metatarsalgia”. Treatments can include anti-inflammatories, proper fitting footwear, orthotics and in severe cases, surgery.
The high arched foot, often with a high instep. The 1st ray (metatarsal bone behind the big toe) is plantar flexed (pushed more towards the ground), causing a ‘cave like’ appearance to a person’s foot, rolling them to the outside edge of their feet. Sometimes these feet are called ‘Supinators’ or ‘Under-Pronation’, the foot tends to rotate inwards and down.Supination is a normal part of gait (the way we walk) and helps in the ‘push-off’. Many people who supinate tend to have more ankle sprains due to the outward rolling of their foot. Estimates put true Supinators at under 10% of the population.
Often associated with ‘fallen arches’ or ‘flat feet’, the foot appears rotated inwards, flattened towards the ground. Like Supination, Pronation is a normal part of a person’s gait. It helps the foot to shock absorb while in motion, however, when the subtalar joint rolls inwards and foot angles out too much, it’s called Over-Pronation. Some estimates suggest that over half of North Americans experience some version of ‘flat feet’, although, not all ‘flat feet’ are problem feet.
One of the most common foot conditions in North America, this can lead to a Heel Spur. Often, people complain of pain in the bottom of the heel or along the arch, the pain is typically worst in the morning, or after a period of rest. By the end of the day the pain may be replaced by a dull aching that improves with rest. Stretching, appropriate footwear, orthotics, anti-inflammatories are all treatment options. Should all of these fail, surgery may be required.
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